Paul's Technology Blog

Unlike previous version of Windows, Windows 8 does not include a traditional Start Menu on the desktop screen.  It is however possible to add frequently used applications to the desktop taskbar or the Metro start screen for easy access. To add an application to the Metro Start Screen:- Move the mouse cursor into the top right hand corner until the charms bar is displayed. Click 'Search' to display the apps screen. Use the scroll bar or type the application name in the supplied box to locate the required application. Right click on the application and choose .'Pin to Start' The application will now be visible on the Metro Start screen as a new tile and can be moved by simply dragging it to the required location. To add an application to the Windows Desktop task bar:- Move the mouse cursor into the top right hand corner until the charms bar is displayed. Click 'Search' to display the apps screen. Use the scroll bar or type the application name in the...

One of the first things that becomes apparent when using Windows 8 is the absence of the traditional maximize/minimize and close buttons normally located in the top right hand corner of the window.  To close and application in Windows 8, move the mouse cursor to middle top of the screen until a small hand is displayed.  Once the hand is displayed right click and drag the window all the way to the bottom of the screen.

Internet Explorer 10 runs in two distinct modes; Metro and Desktop.  By default, clicking on the Internet Explorer icon on the main page will launch the Metro version. The Metro version does not include many of the features of the desktop version.  Fortunately it is possible to open up the desktop version of internet explorer from the Metro start screen, to do this: - Click on the cog and select Internet Options from the drop down menu. Select the 'Programs' tab. Under 'Choose how to open links' select 'Always in Internet Explorer on the Desktop'.

After installing Windows 8 on a traditional mouse based laptop/PC it soon becomes apparent that things are a lot different to previous versions of Windows.  It seems Microsoft have focused entirely on the hardware market moving to a touch screen based environment. I will be adding notes about features and shortcuts available within Windows 8 to this blog as I come across them.